First Thing to Make on a Traeger

Introduction

Getting started with a Traeger grill is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming to decide what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger. The good news is that Traeger grills are beginner-friendly and versatile, making it easy to create delicious recipes even on your first try.

Whether you’re cooking smoky chicken thighs, grilled burgers, or wood-fired pizza, choosing a simple, flavorful recipe ensures success while helping you get familiar with your grill’s settings. This guide will walk you through beginner-friendly dishes and tips to make your first Traeger cook a success.

Beginner-Friendly Dishes for Your First Cook

If you’ve been wondering what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger, smoked chicken thighs are an excellent starting point. Their quick cooking time and forgiving nature make them ideal for beginners. Another great answer to what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger is grilled burgers, a simple and satisfying choice that highlights the grill’s capabilities.

• Ingredients: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
  2. Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the grill grates.
  4. Cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tip: Use apple or cherry wood pellets for a mild, sweet smoke flavor that complements the chicken.

Tip: Experiment with wood pellets like hickory for a smoky kick or pecan for a subtle, nutty flavor.

Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is an impressive yet beginner-friendly option that highlights the Traeger’s capabilities.

• Ingredients: Salmon fillet, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
  2. Brush the salmon with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt, pepper, and dill.
  3. Place the salmon on a cedar plank or directly on the grill grates.
  4. Smoke for 30–45 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Tip: Use alder or cherry wood pellets for a mild, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.

Wood-Fired Pizza
Making pizza on a Traeger is fun and guarantees crispy, flavorful results.

• Ingredients: Pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your Traeger to 500°F with a pizza stone on the grates.
  2. Roll out the dough, add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
  3. Place the pizza on the preheated stone and grill for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Tip: Use mesquite wood pellets for a bold, smoky flavor that enhances the pizza’s toppings.

Why These Dishes Are Perfect for Beginners

When using your Traeger for the first time, starting with beginner-friendly recipes ensures a positive experience. The dishes recommended earlier—smoked chicken thighs, grilled burgers, smoked salmon, and wood-fired pizza—are ideal for a variety of reasons:

Heading 3: Easy Temperature Control

Traeger grills are designed to maintain consistent temperatures, making it easy to cook your first dish without constant adjustments.

• Why It Matters: Recipes like smoked chicken thighs and burgers require steady heat, which Traeger grills handle effortlessly.
• Example: Grilling burgers at 400°F guarantees a quick and even cook without flare-ups or guesswork.

Short Cooking Times

Beginner recipes often have shorter cooking times, reducing the likelihood of overcooking or mistakes.

• Why It Matters: You can enjoy delicious results in under an hour, even with smoked dishes like salmon.
• Example: Smoked salmon is ready in just 30–45 minutes, showcasing the grill’s flavor-enhancing capabilities in a short time frame.

High Flavor Impact

Even simple recipes taste extraordinary when cooked on a Traeger due to the wood-fired flavor.

• Why It Matters: Traeger grills allow you to experiment with wood pellet flavors, like cherry for chicken or alder for fish, right from your first cook.
• Example: A basic grilled burger becomes restaurant-quality when infused with hickory or mesquite smoke.

Minimal Equipment Needed
You don’t need specialized tools or accessories to create amazing dishes.

• Why It Matters: Beginners can get started with basic equipment like tongs, a meat thermometer, and a grill brush.
• Example: Smoked chicken thighs require only seasoning, a grill, and a thermometer for perfectly cooked results.

Step-by-Step Guide for Your First Cook

When asking yourself what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger, consider recipes that are easy to prepare and deliver big flavor, like smoked salmon or wood-fired pizza. These dishes not only showcase the Traeger’s precision but also help you get familiar with its settings and controls

Preheat Your Traeger

Proper preheating is essential for even cooking.

• How to Do It:
  1. Fill the hopper with your chosen wood pellets (e.g., apple for chicken or alder for salmon).
  2. Turn on the Traeger and set it to the required temperature for your recipe.
  3. Allow the grill to preheat for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed.

Tip: Preheating ensures the grates are hot enough to sear and the grill maintains consistent heat during cooking.

Prep Your Ingredients

Simple preparation can make a big difference in flavor.

• Steps:
  1. Season your protein (e.g., chicken thighs, burgers, or salmon) with salt, pepper, and other spices or marinades.
  2. Prep vegetables or pizza dough if included in your dish.
  3. Arrange everything on a tray for easy transfer to the grill.

Tip: Let your ingredients sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Monitor the Cook

Consistent monitoring prevents overcooking or undercooking.

• How to Do It:
  1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your protein.
  2. Avoid opening the grill lid too often, as it can cause temperature fluctuations.
  3. Flip burgers or chicken thighs halfway through for even cooking.

Tip: Traeger’s built-in temperature probes make it easy to track the progress of your food without opening the lid.

Rest and Serve

Allowing your food to rest enhances flavor and juiciness.

• Steps:
  1. Once your protein reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill.
  2. Let it rest on a cutting board or plate for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Serve with your favorite sides or toppings.

Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Your First Cook

If you’ve already decided what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger, remember to avoid common mistakes like skipping preheating or choosing the wrong wood pellets. These small errors can impact the flavor and consistency of your dish. »

Not Preheating the Grill

Skipping preheating can lead to uneven cooking.

• Why It Happens: Beginners might overlook this step in their excitement to start grilling.
• How to Avoid It: Always allow the grill to preheat for at least 10–15 minutes. This ensures the cooking surface is evenly heated, helping your food cook consistently.

Choosing the Wrong Pellets

Using pellets that don’t match your dish can result in overpowering or mismatched flavors.

• Why It Happens: Beginners may not understand how pellet flavors affect the final dish.
• How to Avoid It: Start with versatile options like apple, cherry, or hickory pellets. For example, use apple for chicken, alder for fish, and hickory for beef.

Tip: Experiment with different pellets once you’re familiar with their flavor profiles.

Opening the Lid Too Often

Frequent lid-opening causes heat loss, leading to longer cook times and inconsistent results.

• Why It Happens: Many first-timers are eager to check on their food.
• How to Avoid It: Trust the grill’s temperature control and use a meat thermometer to monitor progress without opening the lid.

Overcomplicating the Recipe

Trying advanced recipes too soon can be overwhelming.

• Why It Happens: Enthusiasm for experimenting might lead to overly complex dishes.
• How to Avoid It: Stick to simple recipes like smoked chicken thighs or grilled burgers. As you gain confidence, explore more challenging options.

Neglecting Clean-Up

Skipping post-cook clean-up can affect your grill’s performance and flavor for future cooks.

• Why It Happens: After cooking, you might be too focused on eating to remember cleaning.
• How to Avoid It: Once the grill cools, brush the grates, empty the grease trap, and check the pellet hopper for leftover debris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions beginners have about using a Traeger grill for the first time:

What pellets should I use for my first cook?

Start with versatile pellet flavors like apple, cherry, or hickory.

• Apple and Cherry: Perfect for chicken, pork, and fish, adding a mild sweetness.
• Hickory: Ideal for beef or burgers, offering a bold, smoky flavor.
  Tip: Use high-quality Traeger pellets for consistent heat and clean smoke.

Can I cook a dessert for my first recipe?

Yes, but keep it simple. Grilled fruits like peaches or pineapple are great beginner options.

• How To: Slice the fruit, sprinkle with a little sugar, and grill at medium heat until caramelized.
• Why Start Here: These desserts are quick, forgiving, and showcase the grill’s versatility.

Do I need accessories for my first cook?

Not many! Basic grilling tools are enough for your first experience.

• Recommended: Tongs, a meat thermometer, and a grill brush.
• Optional: A cast-iron skillet for recipes like smoked mac and cheese or desserts.

How do I clean my Traeger after cooking?

Cleaning your grill ensures it performs well for future cooks.

1. Let the grill cool completely.
2. Brush the grates to remove food residue.
3. Empty the grease trap and clean the drip pan.
4. Vacuum out the firepot with a shop vacuum.

Tip: Clean regularly to maintain flavor and avoid buildup.

Can I use frozen ingredients on my Traeger?

Yes, but thawing is recommended for even cooking.

• Why Thaw First: Frozen meat or fish may cook unevenly, leading to dry spots.
• How To: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.

How do I know when my food is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

• Examples:
  • Chicken: 165°F
  • Beef (medium): 135°F
  • Salmon: 145°F
• Tip: Rest your food for a few minutes after cooking for the best flavor and juiciness.

Conclusion

Now that you know what is the first thing I should make on my Traeger, it’s time to fire up your grill and try one of these beginner-friendly recipes. With a little practice, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time

Traeger grills are designed to make cooking easy and enjoyable, with precise temperature control, versatile pellet options, and consistent performance. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll quickly gain confidence and be ready to try more advanced recipes.

Remember, the key to a successful first cook is to keep it simple, have fun, and embrace the process. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or hosting a casual barbecue, your Traeger will elevate every dish with rich, smoky flavor.

Now that you’ve learned the essentials, it’s time to fire up your grill and enjoy your first Traeger-cooked masterpiece. Happy grilling!